Description
Craving a refreshing, vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer? Peach Watermelon Salad is your perfect choice! This light, colorful salad combines juicy watermelon, sweet peaches, and fragrant mint, with a zesty lime juice drizzle and a touch of sea salt to enhance the flavors. Optional additions like feta, red onion, or cucumber add extra depth and crunch. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a healthy side dish, this no-cook recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with seasonal freshness.
Ingredients
This salad comes together with ingredients that create a refreshing, flavorful dish. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
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Watermelon (3 cups, cubed): Provides juicy, sweet hydration and vibrant color.
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Ripe Peaches (2, sliced): Add tender, sweet fruitiness with a soft texture.
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Fresh Mint Leaves (¼ cup, chopped): Infuse a cool, aromatic freshness.
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Lime Juice (1 tbsp): Adds a bright, tangy zing to balance sweetness.
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Sea Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the natural flavors of the fruit.
Optional Ingredients
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Crumbled Feta Cheese (¼ cup): Introduces a creamy, salty contrast.
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Red Onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Adds sharp, savory crunch.
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Cucumber (½, sliced): Contributes crisp, refreshing texture.
Substitutions and Variations
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Watermelon: Swap for cantaloupe or honeydew for a different melon flavor.
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Peaches: Use nectarines, apricots, or mango for similar sweetness; canned peaches (drained) work in a pinch.
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Mint: Replace with basil or cilantro for a different herbal note.
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Lime Juice: Substitute with lemon juice or orange juice for a milder citrus flavor.
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Feta: Use goat cheese, queso fresco, or omit for vegan/dairy-free; nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure feta is gluten-free if used.
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Add-Ins: Include ¼ cup blueberries, strawberries, or toasted nuts (e.g., almonds) for extra flavor and texture.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create Peach Watermelon Salad that’s refreshing, colorful, and packed with summer flavor:
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Combine Fruits:
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In a large bowl, add 3 cups cubed watermelon and 2 sliced ripe peaches.
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Beginner Tip: Cube watermelon into 1-inch pieces for bite-sized portions; slice peaches thinly (about ¼-inch) for easy eating.
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Add Mint:
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Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves over the fruit.
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Gently toss with a spoon or spatula to distribute evenly without crushing the fruit.
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Beginner Tip: Chop mint just before adding to preserve freshness; toss lightly to avoid bruising peaches.
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Season the Salad:
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Drizzle 1 tbsp lime juice evenly over the salad.
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Sprinkle ¼ tsp sea salt across the top.
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Beginner Tip: Use a light hand with salt to enhance, not overpower, the fruit’s sweetness; adjust lime juice for desired tanginess.
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Incorporate Optional Ingredients:
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If using, add ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, and/or ½ sliced cucumber.
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Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
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Beginner Tip: Slice cucumber and onion thinly for balanced bites; crumble feta finely to distribute evenly.
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Chill and Serve:
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld and chill (optional but recommended for best taste).
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Serve cold in bowls or on a platter, optionally garnished with extra mint leaves or a sprinkle of feta.
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Beginner Tip: Chill in a glass or ceramic bowl to keep the salad crisp; serve promptly after chilling to maintain texture.
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Cooking Tips
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Ripe Fruit: Choose firm but juicy watermelon (heavy for its size, with a yellow spot) and ripe peaches (slightly soft when pressed); unripe fruit will lack sweetness.
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Uniform Cuts: Cube and slice ingredients evenly for a cohesive look and balanced bites; remove peach pits carefully to avoid mangling the flesh.
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Mint Freshness: Rinse and pat mint dry before chopping; use a sharp knife to prevent bruising and retain flavor.
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Chilling: Refrigerate briefly to enhance refreshing qualities, but don’t over-chill (beyond 30 minutes) to avoid softening the fruit.
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Tossing: Mix gently with clean hands or a wide spoon to keep fruit intact; avoid overmixing to prevent a mushy texture.